England Squash profile: Adrian Grant

In the sixth part of our series focusing on England Squash, Adrian Grant
reveals why nutrition and training drills are pivotal to success.

Although I have played a number of sports, I was always drawn back to squash. I really thrive off that one-on-one competitive battle and the challenge that comes with being the only person responsible for your win.

Good nutrition is imperative when playing squash at a professional level. On tour we can play up to six consecutive days of intense competitive competition, which means it’s crucial to keep well hydrated at all times. Recovery is also vital in order for me to keep in the best shape possible for my next match.

My training is designed specifically for me, and involves a range of different training methods weights, plyometrics, technical racket work, and high pressure training drills on court – it’s important to know why you are doing certain sessions and what you gain from it.

With the National Championships around the corner [Feb 9-14, Manchester] there is a lot of excitement building up amongst the players, particularly because the British men have enjoyed a very successful past year, with nine of us making the world top 30.

But that doesn't mean to say that everyone knows our sport. Two of the most common myths I often hear surrounding squash is that the game is an Olympic sport, which is devastatingly not true. The second is that Jahangir is still World No 1!

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Hopefully we can change that this year where our pinnacleis without doubt is the Commonwealth games. The games are the next biggest thing to the Olympics and we have a very strong team, so hopefully we can show the world what we are about also as a sport.

If I wasn’t playing squash I would either be playing a different sport or have some sort of involvement in music production, which is one of my many passions and something that keeps me busy during tour down-time.

LA Lakers player, Kobe Bryant, is a huge inspiration as I have followed the sport as a kid and I admire his ability to remain on top of his game and always bounce back whilst being in the public eye.

As our governing body has recently taken Racketball under its wing, I think it is great that the game is emerging as it really is a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and ability.

I have played Racketball a few times and with it being played on a squash court there are some rule similarities. Sometimes it’s fun to break away from playing squash and try something new also.

My career highlight...

One of my career highlights had to be in the 2008 World Squash Championships at the National Squash Centre. I was playing against Gregory Gaultier when he was World No.2 and I was World No.15, but beat him 3-2 to reach the quarter finals. It was a fantastic win and all my family and friends had travelled to support me, which always means a lot.

How do you relax off court?

Relaxing off court is just as important as training for me and sometimes I just enjoy shutting my mind off from the pressure of competing at a professional level. I enjoy catching up with family and close friends, as it can be tough being abroad most the year. My ideal relaxing evening? Heading out for a meal and the cinema would be perfect.

Quick tip...

For anyone taking up the sport my advice is to have fun with it! Even though playing is my job, I still do.

And finally...

My drive to improve everyday and constantly challenge myself motivates me to be the best I can at my game. I also try to remember that everyone has knock-backs in their career and personal life, but it is getting back up on your feet and keep fighting that shows your true character.